Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Electroless Nickel-Phosphorus-Tungsten Carbide Nanocomposite Coatings

Ni-P-WC nanocomposite coatings were prepared successfully in the electroless bath containing WC nanoparticles. The influences of WC nanoparticles concentration, stirring speed, and temperature of plating bath on the WC weight percentage in the Ni-P-WC nanocomposite coatings were investigated. The microhardness and wear resistance of Ni-P-WC nanocomposite coatings were evaluated, respectively. The results show that the incorporation of WC nanoparticles in composite coatings elevates the wear resistance and microhardness. The friction coefficient and wear loss of Ni-P-WC nanocomposite coatings decrease with the increase of WC weight percentage, while the microhardness increases with the increase of WC weight percentage.